Amsterdam, 24th March 2014 - Panasonic has today unveiled the
world’s first 4K 25p wearable camcorder, HX-A500. This latest wearable camcorder is designed to
help you capture unique moments on-the-go, putting you in the thick of the
action and shoots in stunning 4K picture quality. Lightweight, compact, and
easy to attach to your body or head, the HX-A500 takes 4K Ultra HD shooting to
a new level of portability.

With new and extended features, a wider
range of optional accessories - such as a new clip mount to easily attach the
camera to a helmet or bag; or the ‘multi-case’ to combine the main unit, camera
and cable into one body for single-handed use; and enhanced connectivity options, the HX-A500
is comfortable to wear and intuitive to use. Both waterproof,
for up to 3 metres for 30 minutes[1], and
dustproof[2], the
HX-A500 is ready for action whatever the conditions. Whether you’re playing on
the floor with your children or climbing a cliff face, you can be confident
that your hands-free filming will give you great results every time.

Simplicity from every angle

The HX-A500 has been designed
with ease-of-use and simplicity in mind, so you can concentrate on enjoying the
moment, rather than how you’re capturing it. Comprising of two body parts connected by a
cable, the main operating unit weighs approximately 119g and the camera section
only 31g, ensuring that the camcorder is not restrictive, even during sports
and other physical activities.

A new colour, 1.5 inch LCD monitor has been
incorporated into the HX-A500’s main body so you can check the camera’s field
of view during recording.The HX-A500 is also equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) capability,
meaning it is just a simple swipe away from a Wi-Fi connection via your
smartphone or tablet. Through the Panasonic Image App you can then record and
edit your video remotely, share your creations via social media, as well as
broadcast them live using UStream.

Stunning 4K results

Despite its compact size and
lightweight design, the HX-A500 delivers stunning results, even when you’re
shooting scenes with fast motion.
Enabled by a new high speed and intelligent image processor, the Crystal
Engine Pro+, the HX-A500 provides 4K video recording at 25 frames per second -
four times the resolution of Full HD. Additionally, with a host of
image-enhancing technologies, such as a new high sensitivity BSI sensor, you
can be sure the HX-A500 will capture all the action with complete clarity –
even when shooting in low light situations.

Designed to excel at
capturing high speed events such as sporting activities, the HX-A500 is built
to ensure that even sudden movements are captured clearly. The HX-A500’s Levelling
Correction function automatically detects when the recording is at a tilt and
levels out final images, while the Image Stabilisation function keeps blur to a
minimum. The new slow motion function
means the HX-A500 is also ideal for analysing sporting techniques, such as your
golf swing, at one of threespeeds: 200 frames per second (848x480); 100 frames per second
(1280x720); or 50 frames per second (1920x1080).

Advanced design for comfortable and natural recording

With hands-free and
natural recording capability and a wide range of optional accessories, the
HX-A500 provides the versatility you need for every shooting requirement. Built
to be dustproof and waterproof, you can shoot video for up to 30 minutes up to
a depth of 3 metres, or on a dusty rock face.

New compatible
accessories include the head mount, to comfortably wear the camera on your
head, as well as an easily detachable and durable armband which allows you to
operate the main body effortlessly, from a position on your arm. Further
performance-enhancing accessories include a clip mount, multi belt and multi
case to help you position the camera in the optimum recording location. An
optional wind jammer attachment also helps to reduce the noise picked up during
fast moving activities such as skiing and motor biking.

Matt Evans, Camcorder
Product Manager, Panasonic UK,
said, “We’ve seen the action camcorder market grow year on year as people look
to share their activities and capture the action in the best picture quality
possible. 4K is the next step in video
capture and when combined with the ability to use a point of view camcorder we
begin to push the boundaries of videography.
The HX-A500 has the benefit of a lightweight lens piece, just 31g, which
means using it becomes unobtrusive and it adds no significant bulk or weight to
the user. This is a key point when you
consider that an action camcorder will be used during an activity, such as
ski-ing or sailing, so the less weight, or size, the better the experience. The HX-A500 ensures the user takes unique and
personal footage in the best quality possible.”

Available from May 2014, the
A500 will be priced RRP £379.99 and join the A100 to strengthen Panasonic
wearable camcorder range.

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and engineering of electronic technologies and solutions for customers in residential, non-residential, mobility and personal applications. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates over 500 consolidated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.30 trillion yen (68 billion euros) for the year ended March 31, 2013. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company strives to create a better life and a better world for its customers. For more information about Panasonic, please visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/.

Simon Parkinson, Panasonic UK’s Marketing Director, is used to tackling a mountain of emails and meetings but this week has swapped his suit for climbing gear as he climbs Kilimanjaro in aid of Macmillan.

This week is Panasonic’s week at Jessops 2014 Summer Photo Festival. From the 7th-10th August, a team of Panasonic experts will be in 4 Jessops stores providing product demonstrations, hands on opportunities, expert help and plenty of opportunity for Q & A, as well as a guest speaker and an array of offers instore and online.

The UK’s only outdoor flying trapeze school, Gorilla Circus is excited to announce a collaboration with global electronics brand Panasonic. The HX-A100 Wearable Camcorder is enabling flying trapeze students of all levels to have recorded high definition footage of their aerial acrobatics.

Panasonic is proud to announce that it has won the ‘Best Photography Brand’ award at the Which? Awards 2014 and for the second year in a row. The consumer champion determined that “Panasonic won because of its outstanding number of Best Buys, its value for money and its excellent reliability and customer scores”

Dazzle your Dad this Father’s Day with the perfect gift that will suit him down to the ground. Whether he’s an action junkie, technical whizz, style guru or man about town, Panasonic has got the perfect gift to put a well deserved smile on his face.